Patriots’ offensive line hopes to continue defying odds

By Connor Byrne  |   Thursday, July 20, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

New England Patriots
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In the current National Football League, one key misconception among many fans is that, to have a great offensive line, a team automatically needs big-time players, such as the Seattle Seahawks' Walter Jones or the Baltimore Ravens' Jon Ogden.

On the contrary, the New England Patriots have demonstrated over the past five seasons that little-known names can do a great job up front, too. In fact, seemingly nameless linemen have become a staple of the head coach Bill Belichick's dynastic Pats'.

Earlier in the offseason, the Patriots waved goodbye to their on-again, off-again starting right tackle of three seasons, Tom Ashworth -- now a Seahawk. Belichick and the gang didn't panic in his departure, though.

Instead, the 28-year-old Brandon Gorin, who has filled in admirably at different line positions over the last couple seasons, is likely to take Ashworth's spot. Not surprisingly, Gorin was once a seventh-round steal for Belichick and his confidant, vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli.

Rookie Ryan O'Callaghan, a fifth-rounder from the University of California, could compete with Gorin for the spot.

Meanwhile, at right guard the Patriots bring Steve Neal to the table. The 29-year-old tested the free agency waters back in March but elected to re-sign in New England, where he's started 30 regular season games in the last two years. The solid Neal fits the Patriots perfectly, since he was an undrafted free agent. Of course, the 305-pounder is more proof that formerly unheralded players can become terrific pros.

At the center position, New England starts Dan Koppen, who was only able to play in nine games in 2005. In 2003 and 2004, Koppen was a key cog on the Patriots' line in consecutive championship seasons. Fittingly, the Boston College grad was a fifth-round pick.

New England's right side and center position is packed with players who were not expected to turn into above-average players, but they have. However, despite those second-day picks and an undrafted free agent, the team does bring two high draft picks to the table on its left side.

Left tackle is held down by the steady Matt Light, who only played in three games last year because of a broken leg. The 28-year-old is one of the Pats' elder statesman on the line, so his return will make life much easier for starting quarterback Tom Brady, as well as the team's running game. Light is the second-highest selection on New England's line, as he was picked 48th overall (second round) in 2001.

Finally, the Patriots' left guard, Logan Mankins, is the lone first-rounder on the line. The former Fresno State stalwart was selected 32nd overall in the '05 draft by Belichick and Pioli. Much to the expectations of the organization, Mankins started all 16 games as a rookie and did a fine job run blocking and protecting Brady. The 24-year-old's mean streak could lead to quite a few Pro Bowl appearances. If not, he'll become just another of New England's no-name blockers who always manage to get the job done.

When talking about the best offensive linemen in the league, rarely do any of the New England Patriots' big men come up outside of Boston. Why? Because none have ever been great individual players, but their ability to work cohesively sets them apart from nearly every other unit in the game. Most of the credit has to be given to offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, a 36-year coaching veteran. Scarnecchia has done a wonderful job molding the Patriots' line for the last six seasons.

In 2006, expect more of the same from Scarnecchia's group that constantly proves elite doesn't have to mean Pro Bowls and other accolades.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

For more on the New England Patriots' line and other great analysis, visit Realfootball365.com.
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